DOES anyone do it better than Jay Z?

The most successful and popular rap artist of all time kicked off his brief UK tour at Manchester’s MEN Arena on Monday night in electric fashion.

From the rousing set to the slick lyrics, the special guests to the sunglasses, Jiggaman showed why he’s the king.

Still basking in the glory of overtaking Elvis Presley as the number one album selling artist in the American Billboard charts, the Brooklyn-born showman, real name Shawn Carter, produced the type of performance that has people talking about it for years to come.

After being warmed up by talented Drake, a pretender to his throne for the time being at least, Jay Z was elevated through a trapdoor in the centre of the stage and took the masses to another level during a hit-laded one hour and 45 minute playlist.

He whipped through all the favourites from The Blueprint 3, his eleventh and latest album, including smash hits Run This Town, crowd-pleaser On to the Next One and a stunning Empire State of Mind, before going back to basics with material from Reasonable Doubt, his first and, augurably, finest offering.

A powerful-heartfelt Can I Live striking a particular chord with the throbbing masses.

But where Jay Z really kills it is, and what sets him apart, is his crowd control. It was a masterclass.

Working his fans into a frenzy with Big Pimpin’ before bringing them down with the classy rendition of Forever Young, which included a guest appearance from Mr Hudson.

When someone hurled on an England football shirt with ‘Jigga 1’ at the finale, most would’ve picked it up only to discard it later backstage.

But Jay Z took the top, asked for a pen, signed it and threw it back to the delighted fan. Nobody does it better.